Non-Owner With A Dilemma

OrangeJuice · 01-23-2011, 08:17 PM

Have a bit of a dilemma on my hands, need some unbiased advice from the 370z community.

Recently bought a 2010 Challenger SRT8 at the end of December, after the first 1000 miles my car has stalled twice in the middle of traffic and the car has had a sporadic issue of not recognizing my key fob.

So far this problem is widespread on a large number of Chrysler models and many people have had it happen well over 20 times. The company has refused to acknowledge it/find a fix and the dealers have been unhelpful. Hate to make a mountain out of a mole hill but I'm afraid of the car stalling in the middle of a busy intersection and possibly getting rear ended. Very unsafe and I'm starting to think about flipping in for a 370z.

I loved the 370z when I drove it, but talked myself out of it due to the road noise and lack of a model that suited me.

Hoping for some opinions/thoughts from you guys about what to do...the Challenger forum has been pretty short sighted saying DON'T TRADE FOR THAT JAP CRAP...not exactly helpful.

kellyefields · 01-23-2011, 08:27 PM

It sounds to me that you should have your timing checked for the stalling issue. as far as the key fob have you tried using the other fob? if you continue to have problems then I would call corporate about your problems. I would hate for you to lose all that money you have put into a new car only to lose more for another one. at any rate I love my z and would recommend it to anyone, but you have to decide if you want a muscle car or a sports car. Good luck and keep us informed. and by the way you have to show some pics even it is not a z.

OrangeJuice · 01-23-2011, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kellyefields

It sounds to me that you should have your timing checked for the stalling issue. as far as the key fob have you tried using the other fob? if you continue to have problems then I would call corporate about your problems. I would hate for you to lose all that money you have put into a new car only to lose more for another one. at any rate I love my z and would recommend it to anyone, but you have to decide if you want a muscle car or a sports car. Good luck and keep us informed. and by the way you have to show some pics even it is not a z.

Thanks for your advice. Unfortunately many MANY people have contacted both Chrysler corporate AND the NHTSA regarding the issue and not getting anywhere. The problem is very difficult to replicate and even though the dealer has replaced certain parts on the affected cars, the issue still occurs. It really is an odd phantom issue, makes me think American cars just aren't quite up to snuff yet

Also, will try to post pics soon!

It really is a beautiful car, but if it's trying to kill me I don't want much to do with it haha.

In regards to the money, it would probably be a pretty close to even trade for the Z...know some people at Nissan NA in Franklin that will be able to get me a solid deal.

TypeOne · 01-23-2011, 08:34 PM

You know, seems like a typical response one would get from the Chrysler forum.

I personally don't like the Challengers... I'd never own one. Seems too expensive for something made so cheaply. I don't care for nostalgia, or old school Americana.

I love my Z, I enjoy driving it, I enjoy modding it, I enjoy cleaning it... The Z community is great, most people are helpful and welcoming.

If I bought my Z and had the same problems that you have with your SRT8, I'd probably be thinking about trading it in too.

When you say there was a lack of trim that suited you... what do you mean by that?

**EDIT**

Just noticed you're from BR! It'd be nice to have another Z rolling around!

whoady4shoady · 01-23-2011, 09:48 PM

Im in NOLA, and I am curious as to what dealership you bought from and what are they telling you regarding your issues?

axeman71 · 01-23-2011, 09:54 PM

Kind of stating the obvious but muscle cars and sports cars really are two very different things, even though the general American public lumps them together. I am confident in saying the Z is of higher build and materials quality than the Challenger but that may not be enough for you if a spots car is not your thing.

That being said, I absolutely love my Roadster. The road noise is not that bad though I understand the Coupes have more problems with road debris noise from the wheel wells than the Roadsters do. As a previous owner of 2 Miatas my Z is smooth and quiet in comparison. And nothing compares to finding a twisty patch of road. It would be better still if I had some driving training and felt comfortable pushing the car closer to it's limits.

In the end if you need a back seat, large trunk and smoother ride you will probably be unhappy with the Z after the newness wares off. If you really don't need the larger car and want something fun to drive then I think you would love the Z, loud or not.

kenchan · 01-23-2011, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeJuice

Hoping for some opinions/thoughts from you guys about what to do...the Challenger forum has been pretty short sighted saying DON'T TRADE FOR THAT JAP CRAP...not exactly helpful.

Noise issue can easily be tamed by dynamat if it bothers you. Sounds like some of you newbs are fragile. Been reading about noise issues lately. Its not THAT loud... boo hoo

I would expect muscle car folks would be more manly...

joseZhartford · 01-23-2011, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

Noise issue can easily be tamed by dynamat if it bothers you. Sounds like some of you newbs are fragile. Been reading about noise issues lately. Its not THAT loud... boo hoo

I would expect muscle car folks would be more manly...

i agree with u ,, i use my 370z as a daily driver its my only car and trust its not that loud. the noise its just like my civic ex that i had before

LunaZ · 01-23-2011, 10:35 PM

I find my cabin to be very quiet!

Kingbaby · 01-23-2011, 10:40 PM

you get a mini van

metz · 01-23-2011, 10:48 PM

Im from BR also. I have a Roush mustang and a 40th ann so I can kind of see it from both sides. The Z isnt practicle for most people only having 2 seats and all (my mustang might as well not have a back though). I would be quite pissed if I was having the problem that you are. What dealer did you get it from?

Trips · 01-23-2011, 11:49 PM

Welcome!

zmyride · 01-23-2011, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeJuice

Hoping for some opinions/thoughts from you guys about what to do...the Challenger forum has been pretty short sighted saying DON'T TRADE FOR THAT JAP CRAP...not exactly helpful.

If the Nissan 370Z is a Jap Crap, then the Dodge Challenger must be a dog sh*t car...

optiontrader · 01-23-2011, 11:57 PM

The stalling issue would DEFINITELY concern me. Really? Corporate isn't acknowledging it? What do the dealer mechanics say? It's obviously a warranty issue: a brand new car shouldn't just shut down. Maybe it's a simple fix some mechanic with smarts can figure out.

You'll be driving into a different realm, coming from a muscle car. What swayed you to that neck of the woods? If it's nostalgia and heritage, getting a Z really won't help you satisfy that need.

kenchan · 01-24-2011, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zmyride

If the Nissan 370Z is a Jap Crap, then the Dodge Challenger must be a dog sh*t car...

01-23-2011, 08:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
OrangeJuice Base Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 16 Drives: 2012 Mustang GT Rep Power: 14	Non-Owner With A Dilemma Have a bit of a dilemma on my hands, need some unbiased advice from the 370z community. Recently bought a 2010 Challenger SRT8 at the end of December, after the first 1000 miles my car has stalled twice in the middle of traffic and the car has had a sporadic issue of not recognizing my key fob. So far this problem is widespread on a large number of Chrysler models and many people have had it happen well over 20 times. The company has refused to acknowledge it/find a fix and the dealers have been unhelpful. Hate to make a mountain out of a mole hill but I'm afraid of the car stalling in the middle of a busy intersection and possibly getting rear ended. Very unsafe and I'm starting to think about flipping in for a 370z. I loved the 370z when I drove it, but talked myself out of it due to the road noise and lack of a model that suited me. Hoping for some opinions/thoughts from you guys about what to do...the Challenger forum has been pretty short sighted saying DON'T TRADE FOR THAT JAP CRAP...not exactly helpful. Last edited by OrangeJuice; 01-23-2011 at 08:19 PM.

01-23-2011, 09:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
axeman71 Base Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Augusta, GA Posts: 129 Drives: '10 Conv A7 Blk Chry Rep Power: 15	Kind of stating the obvious but muscle cars and sports cars really are two very different things, even though the general American public lumps them together. I am confident in saying the Z is of higher build and materials quality than the Challenger but that may not be enough for you if a spots car is not your thing. That being said, I absolutely love my Roadster. The road noise is not that bad though I understand the Coupes have more problems with road debris noise from the wheel wells than the Roadsters do. As a previous owner of 2 Miatas my Z is smooth and quiet in comparison. And nothing compares to finding a twisty patch of road. It would be better still if I had some driving training and felt comfortable pushing the car closer to it's limits. In the end if you need a back seat, large trunk and smoother ride you will probably be unhappy with the Z after the newness wares off. If you really don't need the larger car and want something fun to drive then I think you would love the Z, loud or not. __________________ 2010 Roadster, 7AT, Black Cherry, Touring, Navigation, Lighted Kick Plates, Floor and Trunk Mats.

01-23-2011, 10:35 PM	#9 (permalink)
LunaZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Vagabond Posts: 6,704 Drives: Project: a white one Rep Power: 512	I find my cabin to be very quiet! __________________ 2009 370Z Sport/Touring/Navigation \| see my journal for mods facebook: Be my friend... or not.

01-23-2011, 11:49 PM	#12 (permalink)
Trips Administrator Join Date: May 2009 Location: Disneyland, Ca Posts: 8,728 Drives: 🔰 Rep Power: 10	Welcome! __________________

01-23-2011, 11:57 PM	#14 (permalink)
optiontrader Track Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Smog Hell, SoCal Posts: 595 Drives: 40th Rep Power: 15	The stalling issue would DEFINITELY concern me. Really? Corporate isn't acknowledging it? What do the dealer mechanics say? It's obviously a warranty issue: a brand new car shouldn't just shut down. Maybe it's a simple fix some mechanic with smarts can figure out. You'll be driving into a different realm, coming from a muscle car. What swayed you to that neck of the woods? If it's nostalgia and heritage, getting a Z really won't help you satisfy that need. __________________ 40th Anniversary Z - 3M Paint Protection Film, CA Legal Tint! (70/40)

01-23-2011, 08:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
kellyefields A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Lexington Ky #BBN Age: 47 Posts: 1,156 Drives: Supercharged Rep Power: 16	It sounds to me that you should have your timing checked for the stalling issue. as far as the key fob have you tried using the other fob? if you continue to have problems then I would call corporate about your problems. I would hate for you to lose all that money you have put into a new car only to lose more for another one. at any rate I love my z and would recommend it to anyone, but you have to decide if you want a muscle car or a sports car. Good luck and keep us informed. and by the way you have to show some pics even it is not a z.

01-23-2011, 08:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
TypeOne A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 2,682 Drives: BSM 370 Rep Power: 1850	You know, seems like a typical response one would get from the Chrysler forum. I personally don't like the Challengers... I'd never own one. Seems too expensive for something made so cheaply. I don't care for nostalgia, or old school Americana. I love my Z, I enjoy driving it, I enjoy modding it, I enjoy cleaning it... The Z community is great, most people are helpful and welcoming. If I bought my Z and had the same problems that you have with your SRT8, I'd probably be thinking about trading it in too. When you say there was a lack of trim that suited you... what do you mean by that? EDIT Just noticed you're from BR! It'd be nice to have another Z rolling around!

01-23-2011, 09:48 PM	#5 (permalink)
whoady4shoady A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 1,088 Drives: 09 Silver Nismo Rep Power: 17	Im in NOLA, and I am curious as to what dealership you bought from and what are they telling you regarding your issues?

01-23-2011, 10:48 PM	#11 (permalink)
metz Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 347 Drives: 05 Roush, 2010 40th Rep Power: 15	Im from BR also. I have a Roush mustang and a 40th ann so I can kind of see it from both sides. The Z isnt practicle for most people only having 2 seats and all (my mustang might as well not have a back though). I would be quite pissed if I was having the problem that you are. What dealer did you get it from?

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